What inspired you to transition to a plant-based diet?Initially, it was the animals. I was learning English and I hired a speech coach, and little did I know, he was one of the biggest plant-based activists in the LA area and a big animal lover. As we worked together, he would sneak in information about animals, the planet, and health. It was mostly the cruelty to animals that shocked me. He would direct me to websites or documentaries, and I watched "Glass Walls" by PETA, and that was it. I cried like a baby -- it broke my heart, and I couldn't continue being a part of it anymore.

Did you notice any mental or physical differences after you switched to a plant-based diet?I was coming out of the Atkin's diet when I went vegan, and my skin was breaking out and I wasn't feeling good. Then I lost 30 pounds and I felt great. I had more energy, and now I rarely get a cold. If you look at a picture of me from 9 years ago compared to now, I look the same, and people tell me I even look better.

Are you affiliated with any vegan-related organizations?All of them! I work closely with PETA; we created PetaLatino.com where we have been translating a lot of materials and posting videos. We made a video where we went to east LA to crush the myths of being vegan and offered jackfruit tacos to people. We did a vegan shopping video in east LA so people can't say it's only for rich people.

Do you have a book or film you'd recommend to someone who's interested in learning more about veganism?If it's about health, Forks Over Knives, especially since most people care about their own health.

"Glass Walls" with Paul McCartney is only 15 minutes, and then if you want to get deeper, watch Earthlings.

Where do you typically buy groceries?I go to co-ops, Whole Foods, a chain called Jimbo's in southern CA. Recently I started using ThriveMarket.com. I find myself doing a lot of shopping there lately.

Tell us one thing on your bucket list.I want to pedal the whole world. I'm a cyclist and doing my first 100 miles for the animals in Cozumel soon. I would like to travel everywhere with my bike and eat delicious vegan food.

What's one piece of advice you'd offer someone interested in transitioning to a plant-based diet?When you want to make changes, if you want them to last, you have to engage it as a lifestyle change and not a diet. Start reading, start watching documentaries, find support. Be patient with yourself whether you need days, months or years. When you can reprogram your subconscious mind, then the change will last and become automatic.